State Officially Establishes Day to Honor St. Marianne Cope

On Tuesday, April 1, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie made it official: Jan. 23 will be known as St. Marianne Cope Day in the state. Abercrombie held a ceremony in his chambers at the Capital to sign House Bill 2539, which he said was a moving opportunity. “The enactment of House Bill 2539 memorializes St. Marianne Cope for her charitable works, virtuous deeds and enduring legacy in Hawaii,” Gov. Abercrombie said. He also thanked those who sponsored the bill and the Sisters of St. Francis who continue to carry on St. Marianne’s legacy. Witnessing the signing at the governor’s ceremonial office at the state Capitol were many of those who supported the official designation of a day for the saint, including eight Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities from Hawaii.

“We’re inspired by what she has done,” said House Vice Speaker John Mizuno, lead sponsor of the bill. “If we can give selflessly like she did, the world will be a better place.”